Reports from Miza in Kupaland of Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State has it that Fulani herdsmen have burned down the entire town.
Eyewitnesses said a large number of Fulani herdsmen attacked the town on Saturday morning in what was a surprise raid.
They were said to have taken the residents unawares.
It was not immediately clear if anybody was killed.
It was also learnt that most residents of the town had fled after an initial attack on the town by the herdsmen.
A source said: “Many people had left.
“But our people left behind called early this morning to say about 1,000 Fulani herdsmen were coming towards Miza.
“And given their large number, our people left behind in the town were advised to avoid engaging the Fulani in fighting.
“The Fulanis then proceeded to burn down the entire town.”
Though it could not be confirmed the number of Fulani herdsmen who launched the latest attack, several sources said the town has indeed been burnt down.
Some believe it was a reprisal.
Earlier in the week, Fulanis attacked the town but the vigilantes in Miza repelled them, killing at least five Fulanis.
One person from Miza and another from Gbeduma were also killed.
Other reports said many more lives were actually lost in that attack.
“Today’s attack on Miza, burning down entire town, is unprecedented in the history of the peace loving people of Kupaland,” an elder who did not want to be named said.
Many people had fled from their towns and villages, with most living as refugees in Niger State.
Some have gone to join their relatives in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital; Minna, the Niger State capital; and other towns in neighbouring states.
Sources said the latest attack was surprising because it came hours after the police authorities held a meeting in Lokoja with representatives of Kupa and Fulani people, urging them to embark on a ceasefire.
The crisis with the Fulanis began in Abugi recently.
At a point, herdsmen burnt some houses in broad daylight in Abugi much to the surprise and horror of all.
Unconfirmed reports also said Fulani herdsmen burnt some houses in Agini, another town in Kupa, also within the week.
A leader in the area said: “These attacks call for a comprehensive intervention from government.
“We are calling on the State and Federal Governments to urgently come to the aide of Kupa people.
“Our people are fleeing their villages.
“They are at the mercy of Fulani herdsmen now.
“Help us tell government to come and save our people.”
Trending
- Traditional ruler shot dead inside palace
- Primate Ayodele to Yoruba Nation agitators: You can’t break Nigeria
- Police intercept bags of Indian Hemp at Lagos jetty
- Enugu, families to give Ibu, Junior Pope befitting burial
- Police arrest suspects for attempting to disrupt inauguration of commissioners
- Police rescue three children locked up by grandmother + Photo
- Police foil attack in Katsina, neutralise suspected bandit
- US vetoes Palestine’s request for full UN membership